Sierra Zouk Retreat 2025
Sierra Zouk Retreat 2025
Welcome to Sierra Zouk Retreat 2025
Dance. Connect. Elevate.
Join us in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains for a transformative 4-day, 4-night journey into the heart of Brazilian Zouk. This year, we invite you to experience a retreat unlike any other - a personal and communal opportunity to explore the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit, and to elevate your dance to new heights.
Brazilian Zouk is more than a dance - it’s an art form centered on connection, creativity, and community. Whether you’re seeking to refine your technique, expand your expression, or simply immerse yourself in the joy of movement, this retreat offers a space to grow, connect, and thrive.
What Awaits You:
✨ Guided Expertise:
Delve into 15+ hours of thoughtfully curated workshops led by world-class instructors: Brenda & Anderson, Evelyn & Derrick, Pati & Luke, Gui & Paloma, Kuna & Julissa, and Ashe & Elias. Each class is designed to help you grow - not just as a dancer, but in how you connect with yourself and others. You'll explore technique, musicality, and movement concepts that bring more flow, creativity, and ease into your dance.
We’re offering two tracks so you can learn at a pace that feels right for you:
Open Level Track (Beginner-Intermediate): Build confidence in your fundamentals, refine your technique, and expand your vocabulary.
Advanced Track: Challenge yourself with deeper concepts, intricate movements, and ways to bring more artistry into your dance.
No matter where you are in your journey, you'll leave feeling inspired, connected, and ready to bring new energy to your dancing!
✨ Transformative Social Dancing:
Let the music move you in nightly socials, where top DJs guide you on a sonic journey through Brazilian Zouk. Dance in a spacious gymnasium transformed into a vibrant, welcoming dance floor. During the day, recharge and reconnect with relaxed socials between workshops.
✨ Holistic Experiences:
Embrace practices that nourish your whole self, including Yoga, meditation, sound healing, and heart-opening cacao ceremonies, seamlessly woven into your day of learning, dancing, and community connection.
✨ Gourmet Dining:
Savor every moment with all-inclusive meals, thoughtfully crafted to delight your senses and energize your body. Vegetarian and vegan options abound to suit every preference.
✨ Nature & Relaxation:
Find inspiration and renewal in the beauty of the Sierra Mountains with guided group walks and outdoor activities like bonfires. Indulge in rejuvenating massage therapy or join skill-sharing sessions in the scenic outdoor amphitheater.
✨ 24/7 Comfort & Care:
Stay energized with a fully stocked tea and coffee bar available around the clock, ensuring you’re ready to dance, connect, and elevate at any moment.
✨ A Unique Venue Experience:
This year’s retreat is set in a stunning conference center nestled in the Northern California woods—a space designed to inspire, ground, and connect. Whether you choose a hotel-style room or a rustic cabin, each accommodation offers comfort and a sense of home, surrounded by serene natural beauty.
We’ll come together in the dining hall to share meals, while the spacious gymnasium ballroom provides a dedicated space for dancing, learning, and community. From restful nights to vibrant days, every moment is designed to nourish your body, mind, and spirit.
An Invitation to Transform
Sierra Zouk Retreat is more than an event—it’s an opportunity to step into a space where movement becomes connection, where community inspires creativity, and where you are empowered to elevate not just your dance, but yourself.
Join us for a retreat that celebrates the art of Brazilian Zouk, the beauty of the Sierra mountains, and the magic of shared experiences. Whether you’re new to Zouk or a seasoned dancer, this is your invitation to dance, connect, and elevate in ways that will resonate long after the retreat ends.
Meet Your Facilitators
Meet Your Facilitators
Ashe & Elias
Ashe, a dedicated zouk dancer and instructor for the past 4 years, beautifully combines her passion for movement with a rich background in yoga. Having completed a comprehensive 500-hour registered yoga teacher training, as well as specialized courses in Yin Yoga and Buti Yoga, Ashe's teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the holistic connection between the body and soul.
Ashe's journey in zouk is a celebration of mindful movement and soulful connection in partner dance. Embracing the rhythmic beauty of zouk as a form of expressive art, she has discovered that competitions serve as a delightful and challenging outlet for self-expression, allowing her inner gymnast and experience to emerge. Ashe's true dance has unfolded in the past year in her partnership with Elias, where together, they have explored the realms of flow and neo zouk. Their shared love for lyrical and acoustic music has seamlessly blended with the rhythmic beauty of zouk, creating a unique dance experience.
Elias, with 7 years of experience in zouk dancing and teaching, brings a unique perspective influenced by his background as a videographer at Brazilian zouk conventions across America. His keen eye for capturing the essence of dance extends to the philosophy he incorporates into his teachings. Elias offers students a dynamic and visually rich learning experience, combining his passion for zouk with a creative approach honed through years of documenting the vibrant zouk dance community.
Evelyn & Derrick
Evelyn and Derrick, an extraordinary dance duo with diverse backgrounds, bring a dynamic fusion of Brazilian Zouk and Neo Zouk to the global dance scene.
Evelyn, originally from Transylvania and raised in the Netherlands, is a renowned Brazilian Zouk artist, instructor, and choreographer. Her journey into Zouk began in 2006, captivating her with its blend of mental and physical surrender, creativity, and harmony with music. Collaborating with Zouk leaders worldwide, including Pasty, Adilio Porto, and Mafie Zouker, Evelyn's unique approach to dance inspires global dancers to express themselves from the soul.
Derrick, born in Hawaii, emerged from the early '90s California breakdancing scene. His roots in West Coast B-Boy gymnastics developed his body mechanics, strength, and flexibility. Over decades, he became an OG of hip hop in the Pacific, teaching breakdancing in California and Hawaii. Expanding his repertoire to include house dancing, Derrick joined the SoulShifters Crew, integrating improv, creativity, and various art forms.
The serendipitous introduction of Zouk into Derrick's life during a photoshoot with Kamacho in 2016 marked the beginning of a transformative journey. Meeting Evelyn on a beach in Hawaii, he embraced Zouk under her guidance. The couple's shared passion for training, learning, and merging traditional and contemporary movements has redefined their dance experience and ignited a profound love for movement. Together, they create a captivating dance narrative that bridges the worlds of Brazilian Zouk, Neo Zouk, and components of hip hop and flow, embodying a harmonious synergy of diverse dance forms.
Brenda & Anderson
Kuna & Julissa
Pati & Luke
Gui & Paloma
FAQ
When and where is the event taking place?
📅 Dates: November 14-17, 2025
📍 Location: Del Oro Camp & Conference Center, 20864 Rector Road, Nevada City, California
Who can attend the event?
This retreat welcomes dancers of all levels, ages 18 and above, from various dance backgrounds. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced dancer, our workshops are designed to be accessible and engaging for everyone.
What types of dance styles will be covered at the retreat?
The workshops will focus exclusively on Brazilian Zouk, diving into its foundational concepts, advanced techniques, and the emotional connection that makes this dance so unique and powerful.
What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket is all-inclusive and covers:
Workshops and training sessions
Nightly and daytime socials
Gourmet meals (vegetarian and vegan options included)
Comfortable accommodations
Access to additional activities like sound journeys, cacao ceremonies, and more
Can I choose my dance partner for workshops?
Yes, you can choose and stick with a dance partner if you prefer, but it’s not required. Rotating partners is also encouraged to enhance connection and learning.
Do I have to attend all the workshops?
Not at all! The retreat is designed to be a “choose your own adventure” experience. You’re free to attend the sessions and activities that resonate with you most.
What should I bring to the retreat?
Here’s a handy checklist:
Hygiene essentials
Dance shoes or socks
Yoga mat (extras will be available)
Reusable water bottle and tea/coffee mug (paper cups provided if needed)
Comfortable clothing (dress in layers, as temperatures may range in the 60s during the day)
Your favorite social dance attire
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
We do not offer refunds, but you have options to transfer your ticket:
Transfer to Another Person: Notify us of the new attendee’s details at least 1 month before the retreat. Note: Tickets transferred to another person cannot be transferred again to the following year.
Transfer to Next Year: Let us know within 1 month after the event to transfer your ticket to the 2026 retreat.
Important: Communication with the organizers is required to confirm all ticket transfers. Without prior approval, ticket transfers cannot be guaranteed.
How can I contact the event organizers?
For any questions or concerns, please email us at flowmosaicevents@gmail.com. We’re here to help!
Are there opportunities for social dancing and connection?
Absolutely! Social dancing is the heart of this retreat. Enjoy nightly socials, connect during meals and breaks, and bond with fellow attendees through shared experiences across the property.
